Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
